Come Let's to Bed
18th Century 
England Lyrics
Says Sleepy-head;
"Tarry awhile," says Slow;
"Put on the pot,"
Says Greedy-gut,
"Let's sup before we go."
To bed, to bed,
Cried Sleepy-head,
But all the rest said No!
It is morning now;
You must milk the cow,
And tomorrow to bed we go.
History and Meaning
"Come, Let's to Bed" is a traditional English nursery rhyme from the 18th century that humorously depicts different attitudes toward bedtime.
Origins
The rhyme appears in early 18th-century nursery rhyme collections and is sometimes attributed to the "Mother Goose" tradition. It was a popular rhyme for teaching children about bedtime routines.
Meaning and Interpretation
The rhyme presents a conversation between personified attitudes:
- Sleepy-head: Wants to go to bed immediately
- Slow: Wants to delay bedtime ("Tarry awhile")
- Greedy-gut: Wants to eat before sleeping
This personification makes the rhyme relatable to children who often experience similar negotiations at bedtime—wanting to stay up, snack, or simply delay sleep.
As a Bedtime Rhyme
Parents have used this rhyme for generations to:
- Acknowledge children's feelings about bedtime
- Create a gentle routine around going to sleep
- Add humor to the often-challenging bedtime process
Cultural Context
The character names reflect 18th-century English vernacular, with "greedy-gut" being a common playful insult of the era. The rhyme shows that bedtime negotiations between children and caregivers are nothing new!